The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Sokoto State

  • Sokoto approves N409m for road construction

    Sokoto approves N409m for road construction

    The Sokoto State Executive Council on Thursday approved N409 million for the construction of 18-kilometre stretch of roads in Kebbe Local Government area of the state.

    Alhaji Abdullahi Maigwandu, the state Commissioner for Rural Development, said this while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the state executive council meeting on Friday in Sokoto.

    Maigwandu said that the state executive council deliberated on so many issues that directly touched on the lives of the people and which included the construction of roads across the state.

    He said: “the council approved N202 million for the construction of 15-km road and N245 million for the construction of 25-km road in Gwadabawa Local Government and along the Eastern bypass in the state metropolis, respectfully.”

    He said the government was commitment to the improvement of life of its citizens and assured that all promises by the current administration would be fulfilled.

    The state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Sulaiman Adamu, said that the council also considered some important bills that would have direct bearing on the lives of the people.

    He said that the council had considered and passed a bill to establish College of Midwifery in Tambuwal, a bill to amend Sokoto State University laws and a bill to recognise the retirement age in all tertiary institutions in Sokoto, among others.

    Alhaji Bello Gwiywa, the state Commissioner for Lands and Housing Development, said that the council deliberated on the report of the committee on the sale of some government quarters.

    Gwiywa said that the council had approved the proposal on payment for the sale of the quarters over one year.

    He said that 20 per cent payment would be made within three months, while the remaining 80 per cent would be paid within the following nine months.

  • Sokoto integrates 4,000 Qur’anic schools into education system

    Sokoto integrates 4,000 Qur’anic schools into education system

    Sokoto State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr Jabbi Kilgori, says the government is incorporating 4,000 Qur’anic schools in the state into formal education system to boost enrolment.

    Kilgori said on Sunday when he inspected one of the Qur’anic schools in Takatuku, Bodinga Local Government, that a committee of traditional rulers headed by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar had been inaugurated for the project.

    He said that the committee would coordinate the programme and ensure enrolment into the schools which would now teach Qur’an and western education.

    The commissioner said that the programme, supported by UNICEF, was designed to tackle the low enrolment of pupils across the state due to social, cultural and economic challenges.

    Kilgori noted that the administration’s declaration of a state of emergency in education was yielding positive impact in the area of infrastructure, teacher recruitment and other interventions.

    He said that teachers were being deployed to schools in their own communities to tackle problem of absenteeism.

    The commissioner added that the government had provided structures for expansion of the selected integrated schools, which would combine Islamic education with modern primary education subjects.

    Earlier, Head Teacher of the school, Malam Sa’idu Nata’ala, said the school has 64 students aged between six and 12 receiving normal Qur’anic lessons and on modern subjects under the integrated school system.

    He told the commissioner that UNICEF had provided instructional materials to the school, to support the programme.

    Nata’ala however complained of lack space to expand the school, stressing that they require additional structures and materials, including temporary shades to accommodate more students.

  • Tambuwal, Nigerien leader discuss improved ties

    Tambuwal, Nigerien leader discuss improved ties

    Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, on Monday met with the President of Niger Republic, Mahamadou Issoufou, at the Presidential Palace in Niamey to discuss issues of common interest for improved relations.

    Tambuwal’s spokesman, Malam Imam Imam, said in a statement that the two leaders discussed issues of cooperation for the benefit of their citizens.

    Imam said the two discussed important issues that bordered on education, trade and cultural integration between Sokoto State and Niger Republic.

    “Sokoto and Niger Republic have long standing cultural, religious and family ties.

    “So, our visit to the Palais De Presidence is meant to enhance these ties and also explore other important areas of cooperation like education and trade,” he  said.

    Imam added that Tambuwal used the opportunity to meet Sokoto State indigenes in Niger Republic and  senior public officials as well as investors to explore areas of further cooperation.

    The governor was on the visit with the Secretary to the State Government,  Prof. Bashir Garba, the Chief of Staff Sokoto Government House, Mukhtar Magori, Commissioner for Local Government and Community Development, Mannir Dan’Iya, among others.

  • Hajj: Sokoto pilgrims return USD900, N7,450 lost by fellow faithful

    Hajj: Sokoto pilgrims return USD900, N7,450 lost by fellow faithful

    Two Pilgrims from Sokoto State have returned 900 US Dollars, N7,450 and 290 Saudi Riyals lost by a fellow pilgrim in Saudi Arabia.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this was the second time pilgrims from the state returned money which they found, to the state Pilgrims officials.

    A pilgrim from the state, Alhaji Nuradeen Imam, who was confirmed to be the owner, had since collected the money.

    One of the pilgrims, Adamu Kabiru, said they found the money on Tuesday at the hotel accommodating Sokoto State pilgrims in the Masfalah District of Makkah.

    Dr Aliyu Sani Sagir, Secretary, Preaching Committee of the State’s Pilgrims Welfare Agency, said the action of the two pilgrims was worthy of emulation.

    Two other pilgrims had last week returned 700 US Dollars, 15,000 CFA Francs and some Nigerian Currency, also lost by fellow pilgrim.

  • Sokoto establishes textile factory to boost employment, economy

    Sokoto establishes textile factory to boost employment, economy

    The Sokoto State government says it is collaborating a private company to establish a textile factory to boost employment opportunities and economic activities in the state.

    A statement signed by the Special Adviser to Gov. Aminu Tambuwal on Media and Public Affairs, Malam Imam Imam on Monday in Sokoto said that the factory was sited at Kalambaina in Wamakko local government area.

    The statement stated that the development was in addition to a successful collaboration with a private company for the establishment of a new fertilizer company in the state.

    “The textile company will have the capacity to produce 20,000 metric tonnes of finished products and will provide employment opportunity to approximately 2,000 people,’’ the statement stated.

    Speaking to NAN on the development, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Private Partnerships (PPP), Alhaji Bashir Gidado, said that the project would soon take off.

    “We are partnering with a company, Hijra Nigeria Ltd, to establish a textile factory in Sokoto and the state government will have a 40 per cent equity share in the company, and we expect to start production towards the end of 2017.

    “As you may be aware, we have abundant raw materials in the state and large populations of our people are cotton farmers so this company will provide a ready market for their products.

    “We are also in touch with others from neighbouring states like Katsina, Kebbi and Zamfara.

    “By the time the company is fully on stream, it will provide employment opportunities, create wealth and enhance the socio-economic well-being of the people,” Gidado said.

    He added that the state government would continue to explore the advantages in PPP arrangement because of success history.

    “In May this year, a new organic fertilizer plant was commissioned here in Sokoto and the state government had stake of 40 per cent.

    “We have enjoyed the benefit of working closely with private investors. So I am confident this textile initiative will also come on stream as scheduled,” he added.

    According to him, work on the textile factory project has reached 70 per cent completion.

  • Sallah: Commission supports orphans with N10.3 million

    Sallah: Commission supports orphans with N10.3 million

    The Sokoto State Zakkat and Endowment Commission on Thursday distributed N10.3 million to 86 District Heads to buy cows for orphans during the Eid-el-kabir celebrations coming up this weekend.

    Malam Lawal Maidoki, its Chairman, in a brief speech shortly before disbursing the money, stated that the gesture was part of government’s effort to ease the suffering of the orphans and the needy.

    Maidoki said that the financial constrains facing the nation had not stopped government from executing its good intentions toward a better life for the poor and vulnerable in the society.

    He said that the money was routed through the traditional rulers because they were the closest avenue through which government could reach targeted persons like orphans and the physically challenged.

    Maidoki said that government would soon construct Zakkat offices across all districts in the 23 local government areas, and urged the District Heads to support the commission’s tree planting efforts to improve Sokoto’s environment.

    A representative of Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar III, Alhaji Kabiru Usman, the Sarkin Yakin Binji, who flagged off the disbursement of the money, commended Gov Aminu Tambuwal for the efforts to ease the suffering of the people.

    He called on the District Heads to ensure proper use of the money to improve the lot of the poor and particularly ease the hardship of orphans.

  • ‘Illegal refinery’ found in Sokoto

    ‘Illegal refinery’ found in Sokoto

    The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) said Friday it had discovered an illegal refinery, operated in a rented apartment in Sokoto state.

    The NSCDC Commandant in the state, Babangida Dutsin-ma, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Sokoto that the commandant’s surveillance team discovered the “mini refinery” located in a rented apartment owned by a popular Sokoto businessman, along Bodinga road in the outskirt of Sokoto metropolis.

    “The NSCDC anti-vandal team on surveillance detected the centre in which those involved in the adulteration dug a big hole using a large tank in perpetrating the act.

    “The ditch is connected to a transformer from which they tap electricity for heating the adulterated products,’’ he said.

    The commandant said the perpetrators of the act fled the scene on sighting NSCDC officials in the area.

    He said the officials confiscated some of the equipment, including jerry cans, empty metal drums, electric cables and containers, used in adulterating the petroleum products.

    According to him, preliminary investigation showed that the perpetrators adulterate Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) also known as petrol, and black oil to produce various petroleum products and supply same to unsuspecting consumers.

    The commandant, therefore, urged the public, especially people in the area, to assist the command with useful information on any suspicious movements in their communities.

  • Sokoto gives NAOWA N10m for schools

    Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has donated N10 million to the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) to establish new nursery and primary school at Giginya Barracks, Sokoto.

    Tambuwal, who made the donation when he received NAOWA executive members in his office, praised them for their concern to education development in their host community.

    He said the people of the state have a longstanding and mutually-beneficial relationship with the military, noting that his administration would continue to appreciate all security agencies for their sacrifices to the nation.

    “You have made a request of N25 million, N5 million to establish a creche, nursery and primary school in Giginya Barracks. The government will donate N10 million and I will lead efforts to mobilise other people to bring in their donations for this laudable project.

    “We will also continue to partner with you to improve the standard of living of our citizens,” Tambuwal added.

    Earlier, NAOWA’s Zonal Coordinator for Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi states, Mrs Elice Nwosu, said the association has been involved in provisions of social services targeted at women, youths children and other vulnerable members of the society.

    “We are working with the vision of our National President, Mrs. Ummah Buratai, to provide quality education, healthcare services and vocational skills to as many people as possible,” Mrs Nwosu said.

    “In Sokoto, we plan to establish a creche, nursery and primary school and to renovate and re-open the NAOWA vocational skills acquisition centre for our members and members of our host community,” she added.

  • Sokoto House of Assembly impeaches Deputy Leader

    Sokoto House of Assembly impeaches Deputy Leader

    The Sokoto State House of Assembly says it has impeached its Deputy Leader, Alhaji Kabiru Ibrahim (APC- Kware), following a no-confidence vote passed by members.

    The Speaker, Alhaji Salihu Maidaji, announced the decision of the House at a plenary on Tuesday that the removal was endorsed by the 21 members.

    “I have received a letter of vote of no confidence in the Deputy House Leader duly signed by 21 members of the Assembly in accordance with Order Six, Section 11, subsection (3) of the Standing Orders of Sokoto State House of Assembly 2014 as amended.

    “The signatures of the 21 members that passed the votes of no confidence in Kabiru Ibrahim, member representing Kware as Deputy House Leader are hereby accepted.

    “Consequently, we replace him with Alhaji Ibrahim Sarki as the new Deputy House Leader (APC- Sokoto North II),” he said.

    In an interview with newsmen after the impeachment, the House Leader, Alhaji Garba Bello (APC- Yabo), noted that the vote of no confidence followed constitutional breaches by Ibrahim.

    He accused Ibrahim of engaging in some political activities ahead of the 2019 General Elections in violation of INEC guidelines.

    “Ibrahim arranged a delegation with other members to mobilise in support of a governorship aspirant and as such he breached our Standing Orders.”

  • Surgeons offer free plastic surgeries to 30 indigent patients in Sokoto

    Surgeons offer free plastic surgeries to 30 indigent patients in Sokoto

    The Nigerian Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Ecstatic Surgeons, on Monday commenced free plastic surgeries on 30 indigent patients in Sokoto State as part of its 23rd Scientific Conference.

    Dr. Ibrahim Habib, the conference’ Local Organizing Committee (LOC) Chairman, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Sokoto that the free surgeries was the first to be conducted in the history of the association.

    He said that the conference was also joined by Nigerian Bone Injury Society for its 11th meeting.

    Habib said the event would feature presentations and updates on new innovations locally and internationally as it affects the profession.

    “Some doctors will observe the surgeries to be conducted by experienced surgeons in Nigeria.

    “The exercise will expose some plastic surgeons to best international practices, share experience and establish network.

    “About 150 Doctors, with more than 100 from outside Sokoto state, nurses, therapists, bone-care givers, dieticians and other auxiliary workers in the field, as well as patients that had surgeries and those that successfully overcame bone related treatments will attend the gathering,’’ Habib said.

    According to him, the free surgeries were limited to only 30 patients because of the huge investment involved, as the association had not received support from outside.

    He stressed that the association has enough manpower in the country to conduct specialized plastic surgeries, and advised those requiring such services to patronise the local experts instead of travelling abroad.

    The LOC chairman, a plastic surgeon with the Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kebbi, called on wealthy individuals to always support indigent patients requiring surgeries.

    He appreciated Sokoto State Government for availing the association with the facilities at NOMA Children Hospital for the free surgeries, and appealed to Gov. Aminu Tambuwal to also support the effort.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Conference, tagged “ Caliphate 2017’’, would hold from Aug. 14-19.